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It was a cold night, winter had just started, and the snow could be seen covering everything it touched. In the middle of the night, the full moon shines the brightest in the sky. Giving its cold light to the world. There were no clouds able to cover the moon. And right now, this was the time when the Moon kingdom's power was at its best.
The cold air would suffocate a normal citizen, it was hard to breathe as the temperature was getting colder. But for the Moon Prince, it was nothing.
Michikatsu Tsugikuni, the soon-to-be king of the Moon empire, has been training most brutally. The cold was absolutely nothing to him, he would rather have this than the hot summer air.
He swung his sword multiple times towards a tree, even though normal people would be resting right now, or even afraid to be out for a long time. He's been trained to increase his immunity from a young age, to increase his stamina and strength. He was trained to be a soldier. A warrior who will lead their kingdom.
As the heir of the kingdom, he needed to be prepared. He will be coronated as soon as he comes of age.
He had no right to complain or excuse himself even if he was sick. Even if his hands were bleeding and his limbs felt like it was going to fall off, he would never stop. This is the step he needed to take. This is what he needed to go through if he wanted to be a perfect king. He needed to prove himself that he was strong enough to protect this kingdom.
Although the king barely looked at him. His only son, yet he never thought he was enough. He kept swinging his sword harder and harder. He needed to be stronger, smarter, straight up better than everything. Just to get noticed by him, he was his father. But he never acts like one.
Of course, he's a prince. He thought. He cannot achieve a normal relationship with him, as a son and father would. They were royalty. They are the guardian and the future of their kingdom. He cannot be treated as if he was a normal child. He's a prince. And it will never be easy to be a prince.
Unknowingly, he'd do anything for even the tiniest bit of attention from his father. Always trying to be the best one there is. The top option. The perfect one. But his father would say that it was all expected, he was supposed to be the best. He was supposed to be on the top. So a simple achievement of his won't even grant him a glance from the king.
He still wonders what he did wrong. Is he not trying hard enough? Will he never be enough? He wanted to be perfect, he tried everything to be perfect. To make his father proud of him, just a little bit. He wanted his father to have no regret when he gave him the crown. Though it all just seems impossible.
Everything he did, he will always be a neglected prince. What was he supposed to do? What if this is just his fate to be ignored? What if in the end, he never deemed him worthy, and he was going to be thrown away from his position as heir? No, it can't be, the people around him would always assure him over and over that he would be king.
Even if the king didn't like him, all of the citizens did. Almost all of them supported the young prince, after all, there was no other option but him. Not anymore.
He was the only prince, and the king hadn't gotten any concubine or anything. No second child. No other princes or princesses. And Michikatsu was a child directly by the king and queen. Even if he was a second child.
Maybe that's it. It's because no matter how much he trains, he will never be like him. His elder brother, well his former elder brother. The first prince that was once loved.
The exiled prince. Yoriichi Tsugikuni. He didn't remember much of him, the last time he ever saw him was when he was five. The first moments of when he received his power, his moon magic.
It was said that Yoriichi was talented in almost everything, but he also failed to be perfect, he never was able to get his hands on magic. He was loved once, but soon became a disgrace, once it was revealed he could not do magic, he became a joke. Moon magic was one of the strongest there is in the world. To be born in a royal family, but still fail to earn it. He was an insult to the Tsugikuni family and his royal blood. His existence was a stain on their name.
But that wasn't the reason why he was banned, never to step foot in this kingdom again. It was his ego and his jealousy. When he found out that unlike him, Michikatsu was blessed to have the moon magic, he wanted to steal it. He had his greedy eyes on the thing he could never have, and he wanted to take it and make it his own.
They found him sneaking into Michikatsu's room. Holding him, seemingly trying to run away with him. Luckily, the king was there to stop him. He found him and quickly got hold of the younger prince. Even if Yoriichi wasn't able to perform magic, his father was still very kind to him. When Yoriichi was shunned by his people, he would still be there to care for and train him. The king was proud of him no matter what. It broke his heart the most, that Yoriichi would hurt his family. He betrayed him after all of the king's good deeds.
Taking an individual's magic will surely kill them. So with a heavy heart, he exiled the first prince. Leaving him to venture and survive the wild on his own at such a young age. A proper punishment for his act of crime, no one would ever accept him anymore.
But even after he almost killed Michikatsu, their father still liked him. Yoriichi was the favorite, He can tell. He had enhanced his hearing, although they never talked to each other when his father came to spectate his training. He can always hear he was compared. He would only say hurtful things such as.
"Yoriichi could've done better." Or just "Why can't he be him?"
He can hear his attendees trying to back him up, supporting him, and guarding him from his father's insult. But to know that the very person who brought him to the world would not even give a single thought about him. It hurt. He even once heard that he wished to welcome Yoriichi back home. Or that he wished he never stopped him from killing Michikatsu. He would rather have his son not able to use magic, rather than have it, but can't control it.
Michikatsu was having trouble learning the Moon magic, and the spells. It was hard when no one other than the king himself had the same magic as him. The other would be clueless, their magic is too different. But his father was never there to guide him. He needed to learn it himself, just by reading books and observing the records.
He needed to be stronger. Even with his advantage of magic, he was never going to be like him. Every time he trains, his mind will think about him. What was he doing right now? What about their relationship before everything? Has he already planned on killing him ever since he was born? Was he kind to him just to backstab him in the end? What would their relationship be if it were different?
He knows Yoriichi is evil. Yoriichi was cruel to even think about killing a child. But in the back of his head, no matter how much he tried to ignore it, he will always remember that warm smile he would give him. His warm embrace, his gentle touch that would always comfort him. When he thinks of him, from every point of view he is nice. No wonder their father liked him better. But that was the trick. All of his trust is gone for his greed.
He can't recall his face. Every picture and painting of him was burned to ashes. There was a book containing his information, but even that wasn't enough. Incomplete, blurry. The world wanted to forget about him and act as if he never existed in the first place. He can't even remember his voice.
But it's like his body never forgets, he can remember Yoriichi was warm. A faint memory of him holding his hands, while they walk through the castle's garden together. He was as kind as their mother. The way he would soothe him to sleep. The way he carried him sometimes, and rubbed his head. The gentlest being in the whole kingdom.
Oh, he's doing it again. He shook his head, and his body froze once again when he thought back. It always distracted him, when he remembered his older brother. He's supposed to hate him! And hate himself for being dumb, and for even thinking about him. He always seems to try and reach out for his brother. Secretly searching for his information. He wanted to believe there was a misunderstanding. A fault in the system. He wanted to believe Yoriichi was the kind older brother who would take care of him when he was small.
He needed to get back on track, if he stopped for too long, he would get frostbites, it was unlikely, but still possible. He hit a tree with a wooden sword. Giving enough force to shake it violently. It's cold, and his body begins to tremble, it's getting colder than before, and his body hates it. It was on the search for warmth, and it's stupid. He was supposed to thrive in this kind of weather. This was the time when his power was the strongest. But all because of the memories. It's his fault. All of his problems are his fault. Even when he already left, he still couldn't leave him alone?!
He swung his sword once more to the tree. His sword left his hand, as it was accidentally thrown away. He was throwing another tantrum, to a tree. Which meant he was going to receive a scolding tomorrow. What he was proud of was that the tree also fell. It was progress.
The night was still long, which meant there was still more time to practice. He began to walk in the direction where his sword had just flown off, not even realizing how far it had gone. The more reason to be proud of himself, the snow was getting deeper and it almost reached his knee.
After a couple of minutes, he found the sword lying down in the snow. It was far from his training ground, and he impressed himself. Not that it deserves applause or anything. It will always mean nothing to his father. His mind was there to remind him that nothing he does will matter, he should go back to training and-
'What was that?'
He saw a swift glimpse of movement in front of him, swiftly, but his eyes couldn't follow. Is it an animal? A bear? No, they should be hibernating by now, and they wouldn't be that fast.
"Probably a fox who's hunting.."
He said to himself. He didn't think much of it, as he walked back to his area, not noticing the figure watching him from behind the trees. The figure's eyes soften upon the view of the little boy. It smiled to itself, this was going to be an easy hunt.
As hours went by, Michikatsu became anxious and cautious. No way that Fox is trying to hunt him down. He can easily defeat a fox, but what a nuisance. He didn't want to waste his time, but something felt odd. He can feel its hunger for blood, ready to strike him at any moment. Maybe it wasn't a fox at all, a wolf? It wouldn't be so hard to defeat a wolf as well, but he just wished that he was holding a real sword. Saving him from any trouble.
With the "animal" watching him he can't focus. He felt like it was going to jump at him any second now, he needed to deal with it. He would've enjoyed the company if it wasn't for the fact that it looked like it wanted to eat him.
He soon detected where the creature was, and he decided to bring his wooden sword to give it a little scare. Although he was young, he was tall. Enough to intimidate small creatures and even children.
His body grows quickly, and so does his maturity. And people will treat him as an adult, as they should. He wasn't a child anymore, he cannot be treated like one. Not that there was anyone to treat him like so, his mother died just a couple of years after he was born. No one is there to give him any sort of love, except his brother, but well.
When he tried to approach the creature, it ran in a different direction. Entering the deeper parts of the forest surrounding them. He thinks he did it, He was already scared by seeing how he was close, but yet again, he was able to feel it resting his eyes on him, he knew that if he left he would only be followed. So he does need to face it.
They end up running around for a while, the animal was fast, and it seemed it was truly enjoying itself, running away from him, as if they were playing. For Michikatsu it was irritating, never once had he thought he would lose the battle of speed to this creature.
He even needed to take a break. He felt like he needs to catch this damn fox. But he ran too far from his area. The creature was still taunting him, but that wasn't what he focused on now. He realized he was lost. He trained just in the castle's forest, but he went too far. And he didn't know how to get home. He cursed to himself, he was acting childish once more. No wonder his father was disappointed in him. He couldn't even control himself.
The creature notices that the prince is no longer interested in catching him, and so it becomes sad that their game is over. But that was alright he had led him far enough. It's time for the next step.
He tried to recall where he left off, it was still dark so it was harder for him to see. The moon was so suddenly closed by the clouds. He could freeze to death if he didn't go back soon. Fortunately, he found his footprints, he needed to hurry, because it was soon to be covered by snow.
He walked fast, he wanted to go home immediately, to his luck, he found a light that was coming to his castle, the moonlight will never stop shining over the kingdom, not even clouds can stop it. This was to show how powerful the Moon magic is. Before he was able to meet the gate, he felt like he was being watched again, right, the creature was still following him, but it was the reason he got lost in the first place. He was done entertaining it and was ready to leave. But he felt its presence again, just behind him.
'One last game.'
He turned his back to catch the animal when he knew it was preparing to attack, he thought he finally did it. Catching the fast animal when it was off guard. The shock he received when he saw not a small animal. Not a wolf nor a fox. But something filled with more bloodlust than those wild creatures.
Why was he here? It made sense why he couldn't ever get a glance of his figure, it made sense that he was faster. Cause he will never be able to compare to him. Michikatsu was speechless. Seeing as the person in front of him grinned and smiled. A gentle smile plastered on his face. He didn't know how to react to him.
'Yoriichi.'
The real Yoriichi is here, he didn't expect seeing him to feel like looking in a mirror. He had always thought that he would look like their father, but he was more similar to him. Maroon hair, and his eerie red glowing eyes.
That smile. That smile does not feel warm anymore. He wasn't even able to breathe a word. His throat felt dry, He almost failed to contain his fear, his face was filled with horror, and he wanted to cry. While his brother was smiling. He was happy to see him, and happy that he recognized him.
"There you are, my little brother."
His heart began to pound faster than ever, it was happening. Meeting the person who once tried to kill him when he was still weak. For years, he adored his older brother, he saw that nothing could ever stop him from getting what he wanted. Not even him. Even after the time passes. He will always be weak if compared to him. There is a huge gap in power between them. And there is nothing he can do to ever reach him.
Yoriichi was still smiling at him. His eyes show how happy he was to catch an incredible prey. He can see how Michikatsu was shaking. He couldn't regain control of his own body, he was breathing heavily. After a whole minute of looking at each other, Yoriichi decided to speak.
"How I missed you so much. I looked everywhere for you. Finding time to be alone with you was hard.. but I'm so glad we're here now."
His voice startles Michikatsu, he wanted to leave, and the kingdom's gate was just behind him. But how far can he go? Yoriichi has proven he was far faster than him. What was he supposed to do in this situation? Even if he managed to get in, Yoriichi would be able to drag him out. Think. How can he escape this? How can he escape a monster who is hungry for blood? Is his life flashing before him right now? This can't be happening. He can't die. Not like this. Not now-
Yoriichi swiftly appeared behind him. He hit him right on his neck, making him fall unconscious and hit the ground. He looked down on the smaller body. How pitiful, and how glad he was to finally have him right where he needed him to be. He has so many things planned out for him.
"Don't worry now. I will take care of you. Nicely."
Later that night, the king was busy looking through his paperwork. So many things needed to be done and to get done. As a king, he had many responsibilities and no time to rest. He needed to do his job. He was tired, but he had a feeling that something felt off. He was more tired than usual and he didn't know why. It was a normal night, but something had made him extremely cautious.
This feeling kept distracting him until he was unable to ignore it any longer. He let out a sigh, he probably needed to figure out what was wrong. But if he was feeling normal a while ago, then it wasn't him. Magic can connect one to another, so this feeling wasn't his.
Something was burning inside of him. He was worried, nervous, and scared. Why was he feeling all sorts of things? These feelings were connected by his magic, if one's connections were strong enough, it was possible to be connected mind to mind, and heart to heart. But who? Michikatsu? What could he possibly do?
To him, Michikatsu was an irresponsible kid. It seems he can never be mature even once, and he has done this multiple times. He decided to retreat to his bedroom. Because of him, he was unable to work.
He closed his eyes, thinking it was nothing. Michikatsu gets into trouble, and can't control his power again, but of course he would, he is just a stupid child. He needs to grow up. When he finally drifted to sleep, the dream he got was strange, for the past few years, he never dreamed, but suddenly, he was now in a castle. Not his castle, the place was filled with the sign of a sun. Everywhere the glass was shaped into a red sun. A sun kingdom and he was unable to move.
"Hello, father."
He heard someone greet him, and his eyes were soon to meet the figure. Never once that he think he was going to meet him again. His exiled son.
"Yoriichi."
He managed not to stutter, but his throat felt dry. This wasn't a dream, this was a form of communication. A way to reach the others through their dream. But this was a secret only moon magic users could do. How can he? Michikatsu.
"Where is Michikatsu?"
He demanded to know. His voice was stern. Who knew he would meet his son again, and be in a position like this? Did Michikatsu betray him? Yoriichi couldn't have been able to do this without him, but he can't see any sight of his second son.
Yoriichi was a mistake ever since he saw that red mark across his forehead, he knew he would only bring him bad luck. So much he did to cover him up. So much he did to keep his reputation. He only let him live only because his mother pleaded to him, and because he was his heir. He never thought he was a traitor. Bringing the child of the sun to their family, completely ruining their bloodline.
Fortunately, their next child was better. Even if he was much more useless than the other. He needed him.
"He is here. I'll show you. I'm so glad we all were able to meet again. I truly miss our family time."
Moving to the side, he reveals the view behind him. It was Michikatsu, his brother, chained to the ground and left to lie down on the cold floor. His eyes were blindfolded, and his mouth covered by a muzzle, His hands and feet were tied. And a collar enabling him to raise his head. He looked like a worm. Almost laughable.
Yoriichi smiled upon seeing the horrid expression his father gave. Yoriichi cared for his little brother, he was the only one there for him. How could he do this to someone he once adored very much? Michikatsu was struggling, probably whimpering under that muzzle. He was scared. What was happening around him? And what was going to happen to him?
"Pitiful, he looked so pathetic, doesn't he?"
He walked, approaching the smaller boy, before stepping on him, pressing it to the ground. The force made Michikatsu stop moving, other than he was still shaking. His step was harsh, he felt like it was trying to break him, he could hear his bone creaking, making him hold his breath.
"How do you like it, father? I defeated your perfect little prince so easily. I thought you warned me that he was going to kill me someday."
His feet pressed harder, and it hurt. Yoriichi found joy in hurting his brother. Something that he never thought was possible, he can't believe it. This can't be him, he wouldn't have the heart to do such a thing.
"I can't see that as a possibility."
Yoriichi, the son he knows has turned into nothing but a heartless monster. The monster he once told his followers about, was becoming real. And it was in front of him, tormenting the prince.
"Why are you doing this? He's your brother you. You're a maniac."
"It's because I'm jealous. I am hateful towards him. Towards you. And he stopped being my brother just when you exiled me. You disapprove of me because I was nothing but a disgrace. You hated me for being born. Now if I ruin him. Made him lose a limb or two. he will surely receive the same treatment correct?"
A woman walks toward him, she seems to be bringing something as she presents him with his sword. He unsheathed the weapon. He revealed a black sword, and when he held it, it turned crimson, the color was almost blood-like. He pointed the tip at the young boy under him, removing his leg from his body. He made sure their father was watching his every move.
He stabbed his leg. The little body moved, seemingly in pain it burned, his screams only became muffled, and his tears were covering his face. He tried to move away, to escape from this torture, but the sword held him down. Yoriichi pulled out his sword, aiming for the other leg.
"Stop it already. What do you want?!"
The king feels pissed. He was already annoyed by the view in front of him. Yoriichi was disrespecting him in so many ways. So many reasons why he would never welcome him back. He wanted to kill the individual in front of him, his behavior was unacceptable. He wanted to put him back in his place, even though he knew very well, he didn't have the power.
He didn't expect it. For the time he had sent Yoriichi away, he thought he would reflect on his actions. But instead, he was filled with rage. Hungry for revenge. He should've just killed him the moment he was born.
"I have everything I wanted right now. You are powerless in front of me, only able to watch as I ruin your future. I know your old body is dying. And I wonder who will inherit your throne once you die."
He stabbed his brother's other leg. He gave him silence for a moment, for him to think about his action. Call him dumb for hoping his father would beg him to stop hurting his brother. To realize Michikatsu is the only one who can help him. But nothing. He only bites his tongue in bitterness, turning his head away.
He slashed open Michikatsu's back, shedding his clothes while also leaving a huge scar. On his body. Michikatsu was shaking violently, his screams weren't heard, and he was left to bear the pain. But it made the king turn his head towards him again.
"You have been a cursed child ever since you used that cursed magic. I have tried everything to help you hide it, but you always insisted. You became the monster they promised you would. You are just the same as the stories they told."
"So you know it was just a story. You know none of it was confirmed, but you still choose to believe them, rather than your son."
The truth is soon to be revealed. After being covered for several years. The king was the jealous one. Afraid of what a Sun child could do. He showed the sign that he was talented. He had the mark who blessed him. But he only views it from the dark side. It was a curse. If it was different then it would be a curse.
"You took everything from me. I didn't know what I did wrong. I have tried to do everything to make you proud, despite my power. But you killed my mother. If you can't take the hint, it's your fault. Nothing was a problem until you made it a problem."
Despite his anger, Michikatsu was the one who took the fall. He was trying to call for help his body couldn't take it anymore. He had been stabbed several times, not in a severe area, but he was soon to die of blood loss. His father did not care for him no. It's just that by the connection they had, he could feel it too.
"Any of this doesn't have to include your brother. Don't blame it on him."
Yoriichi almost laughed at how his father sounded sincere. But he knew it was only because he was also in pain. He set his sword to the side, it's funny, he held the body, opening his collar, it seemed he was already passed out, he wasn't moving anymore. Acting so kind, he strokes his hair gently, how he misses showing his little brother some affection.
"You're right. I'll blame it on you."
Michikatsu will never know, it was shown how easily you could fool him, you could fool the entire kingdom honestly. He will do the same thing his father did to him.
Because he didn't want to hide his Sun power, the king needed an excuse to exile him. Make sure the world will never show his face again. Yoriichi was accused of trying to kill Michikatsu, even though what he was trying to do was be a good brother. He only wanted to soothe him to sleep, just like he did every other night.
He was framed. And with how his reputation was going, no one wanted to be on his side. The king killed the queen because she was the reason for a sun user to be born. He also blamed it on Yoriichi. Saying how the queen was cursed for birthing him. And then finally he took his little brother away, just so he would be left alone in this world. He turned Michikatsu against him. He barely wants to look at him when he holds him. It hurt.
This is all because he was afraid. Not because his power was too dangerous or anything. But because he was afraid he'd be overthrown. During his time, he saw that his father was the true monster, he felt so stupid because he once sought his approval, and he was never a parent. He deemed himself good for saving the moon prince. But it was a lie.
It was his father's idea, that he should take Michikatsu's growing power, and be the perfect prince he was supposed to be. But he refuses. He wouldn't dare hurt the only person who gave him joy.
Once he was done playing. He observed his attacks on Michikatsu's body. Making sure every one of them would stay, if this wasn't enough, he would more than like to tear him limb per limb. The amount of hatred inside him told him to do it. Kill him right then and there. But he can't.
"Now look at his imperfect body. Scarred and bruised for the rest of his life. Surely you don't want this anymore, right? I'm sure it's far more hideous than my scar. I will be taking him from you now. I'll take care of him far better than you ever could."
He left him one last taunting smile while hugging the unconscious body of his brother. In a moment he was snapped out of his dream, and the king was sweating. With no time to breathe, he ran to the prince's room and ordered everyone to search for him. He wished. He wished this was all a nightmare. Yoriichi is coming after him.
"My king. It seems that Prince Michikatsu has gone missing."
The news about the disappearance of the Moon Prince worried their entire kingdom. There was a price for whoever was able to find it. It's been three weeks since he has gone missing, and all of their soldiers and guards were sent to search for him. The past three weeks were unsuccessful, no one was able to catch any sign of the missing prince.
They have reported this to the king. And what was unexpected was that he cared. For the first time, when Michikatsu was nowhere to be found. His father shows that he cares, and now he demands for him to be found as soon as possible.
They thought the king would roll his eyes, and get back to his work. But he sent every one of them to find him. He was for once afraid to lose his son.
He let out a tired sigh, as he pressed his forehead. "Where the hell is he.." He asked his servant, sadly there was still no progress on the search. No one knows what happened to him, some made rumors that he ran away. He cannot accept that it wasn't a nightmare. He hasn't told anyone about his dream.
He regrets not giving him enough attention, and not caring for his own son's well-being. Now his condition is unknown, and his abductors have yet to reveal what they wanted.
He wonders how is Michikatsu doing right now. Possibly crying in agony and pain. Or even already lying dead, left to rot. If Yoriichi manages to get his Moon magic. This whole kingdom will be doomed.
<Three Weeks Ago>
Yoriichi let go of the body which is taking its last breath. throwing him on the ground like it was trash. Despite his happiness to be able to scare his father, he had gotten himself dirty. He orders his servants to behead it, and then send it to the king of the Moon empire.
With all of the blood that was on him right now, he needed to clean himself. But first, he needed to check on something. He walked through the halls humming to himself. Finally, after ten years, he was able to get his revenge. That horror on his father's face was so nice to look at, and it was only the beginning for him. Everything will fall into place, and he will avenge his mother.
He entered a room, and in an instant, his once bloodthirsty eyes disappeared, instead, they became soft and loving. Adoring the small boy who was sleeping peacefully on his bed. His baby brother. Back to his small form. The form he remembered once he last saw him.
He stands beside the sleeping figure, he hopes the boy will have the sweetest dream, honestly, he should have the best of the best. His brother was everything, and he is glad to have him back.
"How is he?"
A mage was told to take care of him, using a specific kind of magic. The kind of magic that is not based on any elements. They are called the witch or whatever.
"The spell went perfectly. His body will stay small at your will, Your Majesty. He will grow back only if you wish it. Other than that, it's permanent."
Yoriichi nodded. He hated the fact his father stopped their time together. He missed so many of Michikatsu's important moments, now he could turn it back. Michikatsu was still having trouble accepting him though. So the next step, they just needed to work on his memory.